Many young people as well as older adults suffer from Acne. There is really no “cure” for acne and one can only take measures to help prevent acne. Acne is a condition of clogged pores caused by overactive oil glands. This usually occurs in puberty and can continue into adulthood in some cases. There are some measures you can take to prevent acne or at least keep its severity to a minimum:

· Make sure that you keep your skin clean. Wash regularly. Washing regularly helps to get rid of the excess oil on your skin plus bacteria and dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause outbreaks.

· Get the proper amount of rest. Your body restores and refreshes skin cells while you are resting. Teenagers are notorious for not getting enough rest but it is essential in helping to prevent acne.

· Don’t squeeze or pick at pimples because this has the risk of producing a more severe infection.

· After you exercise take a shower so that the sweat does not contribute to clogging your pores and producing another acne outbreak. Make sure if you exercise at college, university, at work, there are shower facilities. You do not want to wait hours after exercise before getting a shower.

· Wear clean white t-shirts to help keep acne off your back. The white t-shirts tend to absorb the excess oils in your skin and will help to prevent acne on your back at least.

· Take off any makeup before going to bed. Again, the key here is to keep your pores clear of oil and bacteria and help prevent acne outbreaks.

· Don’t use oil-based sunscreen or skin lotions if you have a tendency for acne outbreaks. These will only contribute to the problem.

· After washing, you can also use a cleaning solution on your skin containing what is known as Salicylic Acid. Only use a 2% solution. This can be found in some acne cleaning pad products.

The most important key to preventing acne outbreaks is to keep your pores clear. Clogged pores are the main cause of acne.

Adam Smith is co-owner of HowToAll, a site with information on how to get things done. It provides tips and do-it-yourself information on various categories. http://www.howtoall.com

Preventing acne is an extremely difficult thing to do. There really isn’t a cure for it, yet it drags yourself esteem way down. So just what can an acne suffer do to help minimize breakouts? Here are some basic tips to help control your condition.

Wash Your Skin Gently:

When you wash you should be very careful about how hard you press or rub your face. If you press to hard it will irritate your skin. This can also break open any pimples that you currently have. So, be sure to press lightly when washing and drying your face.

Dont Pop those Zits:

Popping pimples is a really bad idea. By breaking them open you can leave scares and cause more infection.

Avoid Stress:

Stress will cause you to have a breakout. You need to make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take time to have some fun. This will be one of the hardest things to do when trying to prevent acne.

Loose Clothing:

Loose clothing will be much more easier on your skin when your working out. Tight clothing will cause the sweat and oil to be absorbed into your skin more then it needs to be. Loose clothing will also allow for less irritation from the clothing itself.

These are just some general tips to get you started with your acne prevention. If your acne has gotten out of hand you should always go see your family doctor. They will often recommend something with benzoyl peroxide.

Tyler Casselman runs the healthy skin protal at Healthy Skin 4U

Acne is a common skin disease that affects almost everybody between the ages 12 to 24. Sadly, the disease affects the most visible and valued part of the body – the face. This often leads to depression and lack of self-esteem.

Through the age people have tried a host of remedies for acne. Interestingly, x-rays were used in 1902, but proved to be futile. Later Benzoyl Peroxide, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Clindamycin, Tetracycline and Sodium Sulfacetamide were tried. Sadly, none of these drugs succeeded in curing acne completely. On the other hand, many of them produced harmful side effects. It wasn’t long before some dermatologists headed back to nature for safer and more effective cures.

Presently, natural cures for acne fall into two broad categories – commercial and homegrown. While the commercial varieties have substantial data to prove their effectiveness, home remedies must be tried with a pinch of faith. Commercially, acne remedies come in neat, convenient packages that are easy to use. Home remedies on the other hand, rely on raw materials that range from smelly egg whites to potentially messy honey.

Typically, a commercial anti-acne cream or lotion contains herbs, many of that carry strange names like Lonicera, Tangkuei, Angelica, Fritillaria, Trichosanthes, Olibanum, Myrrh, Gleditsia Spine, Aurantum, Paonia, Platycodon, coix and Astragalus. Many contain ginseng, citrus peel and silver. Grape seed and pine bark extracts are also used. Researchers claim that a combination of Seabuck Thorn Oil, Vitamin E, and aloe have recently produced miraculous results. Commercial brands of anti-acne creams differ in their ingredients. However, without exception, they aim to destroy skin bacteria, reduce the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands, smooth the skin and make it healthier by supplementing skin nutrients. Vitamins B3, B5 and E have been strongly advocated by supporters of natural remedies. Oral formulations that “clean up blood and digestive system” are just as popular as creams and lotions.

Home remedies are as wide-ranging and strange as the causes of acne, and need to be tried out individually to examine their effectiveness. Most homegrown cures have been “discovered” by individuals looking for an instant cure from acne and scars. These include eggs, salt, lemon juice, cornstarch, vinegar, cooked oatmeal and steam. By and large, natural acne cures score over conventional remedies in being safer and less expensive. They do not require a prescription and are easily available. It is always good to consult a dermatologist when selecting a cure for acne. This saves both time and money spent experimenting with various brands before finding a suitable one.

Acne Solutions provides detailed information about acne solutions, natural acne solutions, acne scar solutions, best acne solutions and more. Acne Solutions is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

What do former presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin have in common? A condition called acne rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin, which causes a ruddy complexion and small acne-like eruptions on the cheeks, forehead and nose.

In men it can often cause the skin on the nose to thicken and swell, leading toa condition called rhinophyma.

Nobody know what causes it but the list of potential triggers is endless. The main culprits are alcohol and rich, spicy foods.

Because its roots are unknown, there’s no permanent cure either, so management is the key. This is partly achieved by identifying what makes the rosacea worse through a process of exclusion and by the use of topical antibiotics - usually metronidazole.

A GP’s diagnosis is vital since the symptoms can be similar to more serious conditions such as lupus. Rosacea can last a lifetime, especially in men, but often clears up on its own.

About The Author

Alicia Caldelas for ultimate-cosmetics.com

Find more info about rosacea symptoms, triggers etc. on http://www.ultimate-cosmetics.com/beauty/skin_disorders/rosacea-treatment.htm

alicia@ultimate-cosmetics.com

Almost everybody encounters acne at some stage in life. Without exception, all acne victims have one question in mind, “how do I get rid of these zits and have a normal skin like everybody else?” People are willing to try almost any remedy, however bizarre it may sound, to restore their skin to its pre-acne beauty instantly.

While supermarkets and chemists offer a wide selection of medications for treating acne, it takes a few weeks for these creams and lotions to produce visible results. Several homegrown remedies have emerged that promise overnight relief from pimples and skin blemishes. The ingredients for these remedies come mostly off kitchen shelves or in bathroom cabinets making them easy to access. Needless to say, none of these remedies have passed clinical trials or have an FDA approval and must therefore be used with discretion.

One remedy for overnight relief from acne recommends the application of cotton balls soaked in warm salt water after slitting the pimple open. Another involves the use of honey that is applied to the affected area and left for fifteen minutes. The face is rinsed and toothpaste is applied and left on overnight. You supposedly wake up the next morning pimple free.

An egg white has also been used with great results. It is recommended that the it be applied to the affected areas and left overnight. This procedure may have to be repeated a few times. A combination of egg white and lemon juice is said to be affective in curing acne and removing skin blemishes. The use of cotton balls soaked in vinegar and the application of strawberry leaves on pimples has produced satisfactory results for some.

Home formulas for acne also include facial masks that come in a varied and often amusing assortment. For example, oatmeal and cornmeal pastes in water are recommended by several amateur skin care researchers, and the use of mashed bananas (1/2 per mask) mixed with 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream is another sticky but viable alternative. Cucumber pastes with various additives like yogurt, strawberries and honey promise removal of skin blemishes. A mixture of powdered almonds, eggs and honey applied to the face for 15 minutes has done wonders for some, while a few have used a concoction containing tomatoes, oatmeal and lemon juice.

Basically, homebrewed remedies use raw materials that have one or the other active ingredient used in commercial medications; therefore, it is not surprising that they do produce results. One must be careful trying any of these home remedies as different skin types react differently to ingredients. It is always best to consult a doctor or skin care specialist.

Acne Solutions provides detailed information about acne solutions, natural acne solutions, acne scar solutions, best acne solutions and more. Acne Solutions is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

Dealing with acne can be embarassing at any age. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is less prone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of your acne starting today.

1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.

For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin.

And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.

2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.

3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help conquer acne breakout.

4. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.

5. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin!

James B. Allen is the publisher of Power Living Press. He invites you to come learn more about living a healthier, wealthier, more beautiful and more powerful life TODAY by visiting:

http://www.PowerLivingPress.com

For centuries, acne has been the bane of human beings - especially teens. Acne affects over 40 million Americans. Acne has a far-reaching effect on individuals. Social withdrawal, lowered self-esteem, depression and lack of self-confidence are common among its victims. Hundreds of remedies have been tested over the years. These fall into three basic categories – commercial chemical and antibiotic cures, homegrown remedies and commercial herbal treatment. Most people agree that chemical-based formulas provide fairly good results. However, they require time to work, and the chemicals used in these products could damage the skin. However, they require time to work, and the chemicals used in these products could damage the skin.

Homegrown remedies are wide-ranging and at times bizarre. Desperate acne sufferers seeking overnight relief have concocted them. Most of the remedies recommended in this category use the contents of kitchen and bathroom ingredients and need to be tested by individuals to check their efficacy. Herbal remedies are fast becoming the treatment of choice. They score over their chemical cousins in being of organic origin and are free from damaging side effects. Basically, these herbal creams aim to restore skin oil production to its pre-acne levels, alleviate bacterial infections and remove skin blemishes. Commonly, these remedies contain a mixture of plant extracts. The active ingredients in these extracts come from grape seed oil, lemongrass essential oil, rosemary essential oil and lichen extracts, to name a few.

GREEN TEA: The Chinese rely heavily on green tea to fight acne. Studies indicate that creams containing up to 3% green tea produce results that are comparable to those of 4% benzoyl peroxide, an effective chemical antidote. Green tea helps fight acne by reducing inflammation and lowering hormonal activity and acting as an effective detoxifying agent.

TEA TREE OIL: Another cure that is rapidly becoming popular is tea tree oil. This natural oil is extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree found in Australia. Aboriginals have used tea tree extract for hundreds of years to treat just about everything. The curative power of this pill is credited to its anti-bacterial activity that is thought to be as good as salicylic acid.

ALOE VERA: Aloe Vera extracts are highly recommended in fighting acne and removing marks on the skin. Many believe that drinking Aloe Vera juice keeps the skin healthy.

Ironically, acne victims suffer not from a lack of cures but an over-abundance of remedies. Herbals cures are a safe bet as they do not damage the skin, yet with so many concoctions claiming to be the best, consulting a dermatologist is always advisable.

Acne Solutions provides detailed information about acne solutions, natural acne solutions, acne scar solutions, best acne solutions and more. Acne Solutions is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched for and studied all of the various causes of acne. Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.

However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.

Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.

However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as “extra oil secretion”. So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.

However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the “diet causes acne” argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.

This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.

The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.

So, you can see where this is going…more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.

Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.

So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.

As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and is the editor of acne treatments website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Surveys reveal that over 75% of people having facial acne also suffer from body acne as well. Of these 90% carry this infection on their back, neck, shoulders and chest. A small percentage has acne on their legs and abdomen. While facial acne is undoubtedly harmful to a person’s personality, body acne is no less damaging. Body acne makes it difficult for men to go shirtless in public and prevents women from wearing low cut dresses, sleeveless garments and swim wear. The impact and severity of body acne can be minimized by taking a few precautions and by using time-tested medications.

Body acne poses a greater challenge than facial acne. For one thing, the back is not easy to reach. Secondly, these parts contain a large number of pores that produce more oil and are more vulnerable to infections than the face. Thirdly, the skin on the back is thicker and does not respond to doses of topical or oral medications that work for facial acne.

Almost all commercial creams and lotions contain one of the three commonly used antidotes - benzoyl peroxide, a glycolic acid derivative or salicylic acid. These compounds unclog the pores and possess an anti-bacterial property that helps fight acne. Further, they help in reducing the oil content of the skin. While these compounds have produced promising results, they can over-dry the skin and care must be taken to use moisturizing agents to prevent this condition.

Supporters of herbal cures recommend creams containing combinations of extracts from a variety of herbs. These include neem, honeysuckle, yellow dock, dandelion root and sarsaparilla roots. They act as mild antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and claim to detoxify blood. Body scrubs enhance exfoliation and are used to promote a healthy skin. Apricots are commonly used in these scrubs to provide roughage. Oral antibiotics and vitamins (B2, B3, A and E) are a useful adjuvant in battling acne.

Some simple health and hygiene measures go a long way in controlling acne. First of all, dermatologists agree that stress induces hormonal changes that in turn aggravate acne. Staying “cool” helps control acne.

Hygiene measures include regular body washes using antibacterial soaps, using moisturizing creams, using a soft towel to dry the skin, removing sweaty garments as soon as possible, avoiding pinching affected areas, exercising and getting enough rest. The best thing to do always is to consult a dermatologist before using any medication - oral or topical.

Acne Solutions provides detailed information about acne solutions, natural acne solutions, acne scar solutions, best acne solutions and more. Acne Solutions is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

An acne trigger is any thought, location, feeling, food, emotion, response, drink, drug, memory and/or experience that sets off a series of hormonal reactions in your body that ultimately result in an acne formation.

If a food or drink is the culprit behind your acne breakouts you may actually be addicted to your preferred culinary delight. The allergy addition could stem from the body’s response to frequently consumed allergens. During an allergic response, the body releases endorphins. These endorphins in turn create the feeling of a natural high. Any substance that promotes this fleeting state of euphoria may be additive. So, you may be eating a food that you are allergic to just to get high, and as an after blow, you get acne. Ouch.

Surprisingly, eating a lot of any particular food, even a “healthy food”, can incite an allergic response. Though still unexplainable, the food creates an immune response and/or stresses specific digestive enzymes. Poor digestion can irritate the body in multiple ways, generating an allergic response.

One way to decide whether or not you are allergic to a certain food is to examine the foods your most often crave. Are you eating the food to experience a gastronomic high? Foods containing chocolate, dairy, wheat, corn, tomatoes, and soy are common sources of food allergens.

Sources and additional reading:

The Inflammation Syndrome: The complete nutritional program to prevent and reverse heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, asthma. Jack Challem. John Wiley & Sons. 2003.

Stop Inflammation Now! A step-by-step plan to prevent, treat, and reverse inflammation- the leading cause of heart disease and related conditions. Richard M. Flemming, M.D. with Tom Monte. G.P. Putman’s Sons. 2004.

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com